Things to Do in Louisiana This Weekend
Here's a roundup of Louisiana events and activities happening this weekend.
Featured Festivals & Events in Louisiana
Cameron Lions Club Fishing Festival
Grand Chenier
Aug. 6-8
The Cameron Lions Club Fishing Festival is Southwest Louisiana's biggest end-of-summer tradition. Offshore fishing kicks off on Thursday, followed by bay fishing and a Blessing of the Fleet. Evenings belong to acts like Jamie Bergeron & the Kickin' Cajuns, Leroy Thomas & the Zydeco Roadrunners and The Johnson Brothers Band. Kids get their own lineup of laser tag and gaming, while a live auction caps off the festival Saturday night.
Between weigh-ins, drive the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, a scenic loop through marsh and chenier ridges where alligators and migratory birds reside. Cool off afterward at Holly Beach, a laid-back stretch of sand along the Gulf.
Red Dress Run
New Orleans
August 8
Every August, thousands of runners descend on the French Quarter in one shared uniform: a red dress. Hosted by the New Orleans Hash House Harriers, the Red Dress Run is part costume party, part charity fundraiser — and part citywide celebration. Registration includes a kickoff at Crescent Park, food from local restaurants, live music and drinks. Proceeds benefiting local nonprofits.
While you're in the area, wander over to Frenchmen Street for live jazz at the Spotted Cat, or grab a po'boy at Elizabeth's Restaurant, a neighborhood go-to known for its praline bacon.
Second Saturday ArtWalk
Lafayette
Aug. 8
Every second Saturday, downtown Lafayette transforms into ArtWalk, an open-air gallery that highlights the shopsand streets at the heart of Cajun Country. Expect gallery openings, live music and pop-up art installations at this free event.
Before the sun sets on downtown, dig into Lafayette's food scene at Johnson's Boucanière, a centuries-old smokehouse built on recipes from the legendary Johnson's Grocery in Eunice.
A Taste of Donaldsonville
Donaldsonville
Aug. 8
Come hungry to the Donaldsonville Lions Club's annual A Taste of Donaldsonville, a grand community dinner. Chefs serve up soul-warming Louisiana meals like crawfish fettuccine and red beans and rice. Proceeds support the Lions Club.
Before the tastings begin, wander the Donaldsonville Historic District, one of the best-preserved collections of Southern Gothic architecture north of New Orleans, then stop at the River Road African American Museum to learn how enslaved and free Black communities shaped the region's culture and cuisine.
Learn more about Ascension Parish.
Tammany Taste of Summer
Northshore
Throughout August
All month long, restaurants, hotels and attractions across St. Tammany Parish roll out special menus and offers as part of Tammany Taste of Summer. It's the perfect excuse to try a new chef-driven restaurant in Covington, book an overnight getaway in Mandeville or treat the family to a discounted outing at a local attraction while soaking up the last of summer on the Northshore.
Make a long weekend of it. Bike the Tammany Trace, a 31-mile multi-use trail that highlights five charming towns in St. Tammany Parish. Plan your trip to The Northshore. kayak, canoe or paddleboard from Canoe and Trail Adventures, then explore the swamps and bayous surrounding Lake Pontchartrain.
2026 Capital Area Craft Trail
Baton Rouge Area
Throughout 2026
Calling all craft beer and spirits fans: the Capital Area Craft Trail is back for 2026, inviting drinkers on a scavenger hunt through the Capital City's best breweries and distilleries. Pick up a free passport at any participating stop, including Agile Brewing, Cypress Coast Brewing, Gilla Brewing, Le Chien Brewing and more. Collect a stamp with every drink purchase, then turn in a completed passport for a limited-edition, collectible tin tacker while supplies last.
Between stops, take in more of what makes Baton Rouge special. Tour the Louisiana State Capitol, the tallest state capitol in the country, or see the stained-glass dome at the Old State Capitol for a kaleidoscopic photo op.
Wild Side Movie Night at the Zoo
Monroe
Aug. 8
Settle in under the stars for Wild Side Movie Night at the Zoo, a family-friendly screening at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo. A big screen lights up the grounds at 9 p.m. with a showing of "The Lion King,” a fitting pick for a night spent among the very animals the film brings to life.
There's plenty more to explore around Monroe-West Monroe before the movie starts. Take in the animals by daylight with a stroll through the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo, or spend the afternoon browsing vintage finds along Antique Alley.
Ouachita Paddling Trails
Monroe-West Monroe
Year-Round
Paddle into pure Louisiana bliss on the Ouachita Paddling Trails, a scenic network of waterways winding through the Ouachita River and Black Bayou. Glide across glassy water at sunrise, drift beneath a canopy of cypress trees or spend a weekend exploring winding channels alive with birdsong and wildlife.
Make a full day of your visit to the area. Duck Dynasty fans can tour Duck Commander to see where the Robertson family's empire began, and bargain hunters can spend an afternoon browsing the vintage treasures along Antique Alley. Cap off your paddling adventure with a cold one at Flying Heart Brewery before heading back out for one more sunset on the water.
State Parks & Preserves
Statewide
Louisiana is home to 21 beautiful state parks filled to the brim with fun family experiences. As temperatures rise and foliage blooms, consider the state’s exciting hiking, biking and paddle trails. Or book a getaway at one of our lovely cabins!
Whether you're an outdoor adventurer, music lover or just crave good food, Louisiana is filled with opportunities to #FeedYourSoul. Check our events calendar for more festivities.
